June 17th (UPI) – Former UFC fighter and wrestling champion Ben Askren is in the process of being evaluated for potential lung transplants.
Askren, 40, was hospitalized earlier this month in Wisconsin with a severe case of pneumonia caused by a staphylococcal infection. He is currently sedated on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).
“Ben has been at Limbo for a while so we haven't shared updates. We wanted him to wake up and be someone who decides what to share.”
“Ben is still supporting him while healing and healing his ventilators and eco-mo. Good days and bad, but goodness allowed him to bring out enough sedation for him to open his eyes and squeeze his hands,” his wife added.
“His body still can't handle sedation much. I still pray for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are now starting the evaluation process for lung transplantation,” she said. “The transplant is such a blessing, and I am overwhelmed by the idea that he will receive such a gift. No one will take better care of that gift than Ben.”
Askren retired from MMA in 2019, but returned to boxing matches with Jake Paul in 2021. He was a member of the 2008 US Olympic team and a two-time NCAA Division I champion in wrestling.
“Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I couldn't expect this,” his wife added. “For his continued healing and if transplantation is the solution, pray that he can quickly and easily enter the list.”
Athletes, wrestlers and UFCs pray for a lung transplant assessment as Askren continues to be hospitalized.
“We are certainly involved in sending all the support to Ben, my wife Amy and my children as we remain strong throughout this difficult battle.”
